Main themes

To and from the East

Crisis of the European Union and the role of its easternmost territory. Chronic conflict in the East – intended and unintended consequences of mutual political and economic sanctions. Raw materials as both a threat and a weapon – still effective? Poland, Ukraine and Belarus – the state of relations (as well as with other former CIS countries). To what extent did limitation of our exports to Russia eliminate activities in other markets (EU, Africa, Far East). Eastern Poland in the face of uncertainty: mutual, cross-border, infrastructural undertakings; cooperation with cross-border regions; exports; and foreign investment.

Economic activity of eastern voivodeships. Rating

Eastern Poland on the domestic economic map: advantages, shortcomings and prospects. Worthy investments – smart specializations in retrospect. Investment atmosphere. Progress in infrastructure. Clusters and special economic zones – have expectations been met? Tourism as a profitable, yet still unexploited, industry in Eastern Poland. Problems and successes in local governments, state administration and business. Social change, demography and labour market fluctuations.

Eastern Poland and responsible development. Investments

The new state socio-economic strategy and its influence on the development of Eastern Poland. Objectives and expected results. Levelling the playing field: what does this mean in practice? Capitalizing on the advantages of Eastern Poland – project analysis. Declared change to the allotment of EU funds from the new program as an accelerator for development-oriented changes. A picture of Eastern Poland after 2020-25: an attempt at prediction.

Innovations. Start-ups. Modernity, yes; but what kind?

Innovation in the eastern macroregion. Interaction of science and business – how it has been, what to change and how it will be. The role of academic and scientific research centres in the shift towards innovation. The appetite for modernity in the leading branches of the economy in Eastern Poland (including implementation of solutions and funding of start-ups). Ideas are not enough – how to increase the number of start-ups that are worth commercializing? The role of innovative initiatives in the transformation of the local job market.